TPM: Now You Can Go Window Shopping For Obamacare Coverage

[flpoljunkie]

Now You Can Go Window Shopping For Obamacare Coverage

DYLAN SCOTT – OCTOBER 11, 2013, 10:15 AM

A common critique of the federal Obamacare health insurance marketplace has been that people aren't able to look at their coverage options without completing a cumbersome and glitchy application that's left many consumers stranded. If you want to encourage people to sign up, the critics have said, make it as easy as possible for them to see what their choices are and what they'll pay -- before they have to go through the entire application process.

Well, that's been fixed.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added Thursday a premium estimation tool to the marketplace's website. By answering a few questions -- What kind of coverage are you looking for? How many people are you buying for? -- consumers can see specific plans available in their area and an estimated monthly premium.

This is just basic information -- and users still need to complete the application to receive official prices -- but it addresses a significant concern from the marketplace's bumpy rollout.

"This tool provides a user-friendly way to see high-level plan information with examples of pre-tax credit prices," HHS spokeswoman Emma Sandoe said in a statement. "Most consumers will be eligible for tax credits that will significantly lower the base premiums that they will see through this tool. Consumers should complete the application process to see more detailed plan information, including prices with tax credits (if available), deductibles, and provider networks."

more...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/now-you-can-go-window-shopping-for-obamacare-coverage

[Hoyt]

1. I used that yesterday, and it worked great, without delays. You get Plan names and full premiums.

To get really detailed info, like deductibles, copays, etc., I had to copy and paste the plan title and search under that. But, I as just looking to how the rates shake out.

Last week, you had to go in like you were actually applying for the coverage. I would think most people right now just want to know their options, so they can think about what is best for them. This latest feature makes that easy.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Note that some state exchanges still require you to register first before showing you plans. n/t

[Rstrstx]

3. I've found it easier to use this site:

http://www.valuepenguin.com/ppaca/exchanges

It shows you all the available plans AND calculates your premium based on your income

[DebJ]

5. I think that is the site that jacks up the premiums so as to discourage people, isn't it? n/t

[winter is coming]

4. Excellent. I'm amazed they didn't have that from the start.

Whoever designed the flow for that website wasn't thinking clearly about user interface issues. Glad things are improving.

[Jim Lane]

6. You can get the subsidy info from the Kaiser Family Foundation site.

Based on the excerpt in the OP, the new tool on the official site still doesn't give subsidy information until you go through the whole process. By contrast, you can go to http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator and find out what your subsidy would be. All you have to enter is ZIP code, family income, and the age and smoker/nonsmoker status for each family member. (It works for families of one, like me.)

[flpoljunkie]

8. Thanks.

[GumboYaYa]

7. I was shocked at how good the rates are for us in Missouri.

My family can get a silver plan for $650 per month. That is better coverage at a lower rate than we currently get through my employer.